Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
12:37
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Curbing Inflammation through Endogenous Pathways: Focus on Melanocortin Peptides
Tazeen J Ahmed1, Trinidad Montero-Melendez, Mauro Perretti
1William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
International Journal of Inflammation
|June 6, 2013
Summary
Melanocortin peptides show promise for treating inflammatory diseases. These natural compounds harness the body
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Pharmacology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Inflammation resolution is an active biological process involving various mediators.
- Melanocortins are peptides with demonstrated anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective effects in preclinical models.
- Existing research predominantly focuses on acute inflammation models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of proresolving mediators, focusing on melanocortin peptides and receptors.
- To explore the potential of melanocortins in treating chronic inflammatory conditions.
- To propose melanocortins as novel therapeutic agents for inflammatory arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical data on melanocortin peptides and their role in inflammation.
- Analysis of melanocortin effects on cytokines, chemokines, and leukocyte apoptosis.
- Consideration of proresolving mediators tested in clinically relevant settings.
Main Results:
- Melanocortins exhibit significant proresolution and anti-inflammatory properties.
- These peptides leverage endogenous pathways for inflammation control.
- Evidence suggests potential efficacy in chronic inflammation and relevant clinical scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Melanocortin peptides offer a natural approach to harnessing endogenous control pathways.
- Melanocortins demonstrate potential for inhibiting chronic inflammation.
- Melanocortin peptides and receptors represent promising targets for innovative inflammatory arthritis treatments.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
02:26NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:20The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as SH2...